Jewelry to start 2024: double down
Repetition and personal style: thoughts on pairing jewelry.
January for me feels like eating an appetizer when you are starving. Excitement, anxiety, and perhaps a dash of despair, ease as the first steps were taken. Clarity of mind is back to navigate what is potentially to come.
Then, it's time to talk about jewelry.
You probably remember actor Rajiv Surendra, who played Kevin Gnapoor (Mathletes president) in the original Mean Girls film. He has a YouTube channel that I highly recommend, and it was there that I saw him wearing a gold bracelet on each wrist.
His styling was the lightbulb moment to realize how much this styling approach is being used. Here's why it's relevant: the idea of wearing jewelry in pairs resolves some people's fear of wearing bolder pieces, as symmetry does bring some sense of calm.
Crafting this combination requires some effort, emphasizing the intention and subsequent elegance. Elegance, defined as the skill of making well-thought-out choices visible, becomes clearer.
Wearing not just one but two communicates that the choice is not arbitrary but a result of careful consideration. It aids in creating a memorable image, much like a piece of jewelry contributing to one's character—a signature of yours. That's why Mr. Surendra looks so charming and natural.
To do it, find two or more pieces that have something in common, roughly the same visual impact by similar shape, color, or texture. Apply it in a stack, on the same body part, or on each side. Let's look at some references:
Bracelets: 1. Chanel by Olivia Pezzente, 2. Trois Monceau, 3. Ben-Amun, 4. Tiffany's by Rosie HW. It's not in the photo, but Parts of 4 would be a good and impactful alternative.
To make the overall look more interesting, find two similars that yet are a bit different. It's an opportunity to embrace the art of sprezzatura, an Italian spin on the je nais se quois: a skillful blend of harmonious contrasts, an effortless and intentional mismatch that reveals its charm upon closer inspection.
In other words: symmetrical from afar, slightly different when seen up close.
In certain instances, you may observe that a pair is enhanced by the presence of a third element that differs entirely. Like the two bangles + a chain bracelet on the board above, or the two chains + a third bolder one by Ana Khouri, on the board below.
Necklaces: 1. Dorsey, 2. Susana Vega, 3. Ana Khouri, 4. Rihanna in the 2023 Met Gala.
On earrings: while it is obvious that most come in pairs, you can still add some extra flair. Focus on building one ear at a time. It could be due to the repetition of the main earrings, or even of the piercings (like Beyoncé):
Earrings: 1. Beyoncé piercings, 2. Wwake earrings in two sizes, 3. Tiana Marie Combes, 4. Sophie Bille Brahe.
Now, one of the most fun: rings. The gods gave us all these fingers for us to adorn, so let's do it. Find symmetry in:
One hand:
a ring on every other finger
a ring on the little finger and another on the index finger
2 rings on the central fingers
On both hands, the same finger on each hand
Stack similar rings on a single finger
Rings: 1. Macadam, Ina Beissner, Cleopatra's Bling, Monikh.
More rings: 1. Me wearing Ana Khouri, 2. Jessica MacCormack, 3. Me with family heirloom aparadores, 4. Jenna Katz.
I didn't want to stretch it so much and cover brooches, but I couldn't leave the anklets out:
Anklets: 1. Room, 2. Catbird, 3. Rihanna at a recent Dior show, 4. Knature.
P.S.: Pairing items like these may stem from the resurgence of the bangle trend, predominantly fueled by major European fashion houses in recent years, yet not limited to their influence.
Some of the other brands that come to my mind the most on the subject: Lie Studio, Dunton Ellerkamp, Philippa Green, and Davidor.
That concludes this edition of The Foyer, and I wish with all my heart that you will try these ideas—please send me a photo if you do. Thank you for reading, enjoy your week!
With love,
Ísis